SHERMAN OAKS—Local police are urging local residents to remain vigilant and observant in light of recent “knock-knock” burglaries and personal property thefts in the southern area of Sherman Oaks.

According to a community alert issued by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Van Nuys Community Police Station, the burglaries have been occurring in the 14000-14200 blocks of
Valley Vista Blvd. and the 4200 block of
Ventura Canyon Avenue.

At least one of the incidents consisted of suspects ringing the doorbell of a residence. Once the resident did not respond and it was assumed no one was home, another suspect would kick in the rear door of the home. The resident turned out to be home and once he heard the door being kicked in, he shouted out and the suspects fled the scene.

Public is being asked to be vigilant. Photo courtesy of Urban Places and Spaces blog

Police report one of the suspects was armed with a firearm and showed it to the resident to prevent him from chasing them. No one was injured in the incident and no vehicles were seen at the location. These burglaries are happening in the daytime between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. These incidents using the same methods were common last year, according to police.

The alert also contained tips from Van Nuys Theft Detective Rick Yep for residents to help prevent future incidents from occurring. Neighbors, family, and friends should be aware of people walking in their neighborhoods, ringing doorbells, knocking on doors and especially if they are seen entering their neighbor’s property. Police advise the public not to confront the suspects as they may be violent. They should call police immediately and provide a description of the suspect(s) and the direction they are moving in.

Theft of personal property is also on the rise as cellphones and/or wallets left at the counter of a store, bank and restaurant are being snatched. Such thefts are also occurring when left unattended in an office or other work locations.

Bikes left unattended or not locked to a secure post are also favorite targets of thieves. Police add that even though bikes are locked up, the thieves have bolt cutters to disarm the lock. A bike kept inside a garage, house or apartment is the best option.

To report a theft and/or crime in progress, please call 911 or contact the Van Nuys Community Police Station at (818) 374-9500.